I’m 41 and been lifting about 6 years. Been working out regularly including sauna/cold showers and don’t drink/smoke at all (had a severe alcohol/drug problem quit 10 years ago)
My issue is that although I look ok for a 41 year old athleticwise, I haven’t made any progress in weight for years and I consider myself weak. I can’t do a pull-up. Embarrassing low weight bench, etc (I had a bad shoulder injury when I got run over by car many years ago) but still, is that an excuse? I want to do that fuk’n pull-up.
I have bad sleep in general ever since I quit alcohol and I assume that has affected my test levels. When I sleep well I wake up with a half hearted morning wood, rarely I wake up with a decent one. I’m prone to anxiety in general and feel concerned a lot of the time. Tried to level up test naturally with those cold showers, zinc mag, ashwaganda and whatnot with mild improvements. Done nofap etc.
I have considered doing a test cycle for years and now I’m more convinced of just doing it not only for getting stronger but for the wellbeing and confidence, sexdrive. I honestly think I’m disappointing my wife these last years. I don’t want to start with trt yet I’d like to wait a few more years with that and I’d still like to have another child so I want to get my test production back to “normal” even if it’s low from before.
Plan is starting a 3 month test cycle starting out with 200 increasing to 500.
I’ve heard that taking HCG through the cycle keeps you fertile and doesn’t shut off the nuts?
Been lurking for a while and read some comments about people often shutting down their natural test in their first cycle ruining hypothalamus -pituitary etc. Is this a legit concern if done right? Other people always brush it off, you’ll be fine.
I’d really appreciate some advice here, is it worth it? Thanks in advance
A shoulder injury is a decent excuse, in my opinion. But as long as your able to do exercises without it hutting or getting flare ups, pick those exercises and avoid the ones that will cause problems. Weight lifting post-40 is different in that we just have to be smarter about how we lift.
For pull ups, start with just dead hangs; do them as long as you can and as you get better times really focus on the mind muscle connection in your lats and back. I bet if you do this twice a week for 6 weeks you’ll be able to start getting a rep or two. Celebrate those achievements; they’re important. From there you’ll only get better with it. Also recommend farmer carries to build up grip strength…and shoulder shrugs leaning forward about 15° to get that isolation/activation.
As far as bench press goes, I think with your history of shoulder problems I’d steer away from using barbell and instead do dumbbells or chest press machine. Use a weight that takes a lot of effort to get 7-9 reps on first set, and do 2-3 sets flat and 2-3 incline. Really go slow on eccentric movement especially at the end…try to hold it at the end when max stretched as long as possible. Here’s a good article about it (and concentric and isometric phases). The eccentric and isometric phases are where you can really promote hypertrophy.
As far as TRT, I recommend getting labs. If you’re below 350 on two separate tests you might want to go ahead and jump onto TRT. It’s a lifelong commitment, so I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re truly showing low levels. At the same time I wouldn’t continue postponing TRT if your levels are in the low 300s or lower. Just do it.
If you want to try for another baby tell your doctor and they can give you HCG (and maybe clomiphene) along with the testosterone. And then either freeze and do in vitro so you don’t have to take the other stuff or just take it till your lady gets pregnant beyond first trimester.
Either way, good luck with everything. It takes a lot of courage and strength for us addicts to stay clean. Celebrate good, clean living and that you’re instead committed to going to the gym. Good on ya, and don’t be hard on yourself.
And as far as pleasing your lady, get some cialis and/or viagra, get some nice sex toys, and between that and cunnilingus you’ll be keeping her happy, especially along with the love you have for each other. But whatever you do, don’t start asking her a lot about if she’s satisfied or pressure her about having orgasms. Just put in max effort, talking dirty to her and tell her how much you love her and her body and she’ll be a happy camper…and you will be too.
Best wishes!
What are your stats?
What does your training look like?
Diet?
I would get bloodwork done before you go any further. Make sure you are healthy enough for steroids.
I think in your case with nagging injuries you really need to be careful. You will gain strength rather quickly and if your body/joints are not used to the training you will certainly get injured.
As far as the actual cycle goes, there is no need to start at 200 and go up. The esters will take time to build in your system. It will take 4-5 weeks for your blood to reach full saturation. Start at 500mg/wk x 2 shots. Your going to need to have and AI on hand and also organ protection products.
As far as the HCG, I would not use it on cycle. The only thing it will do is keep your balls full. You are still shut down. Once you complete the cycle and PCT you can run the HCG if you think you need it.
Again i’ll stress get bloodwork before you do anything else so you have a baseline that you can reference for when you come off.
Doing damage to your HTPA is always a risk. I would say very small if your not abusive with the drugs but it is there. Again, bloodwork first. Can’t stress this enough.
Your shoulder injury may have damaged the stability muscles in your shoulder such that your prime movers are not allowed to fire near 100%. Is there any press (from behind the neck press to parallel bar dips, and everything in between) that you seem to excel doing? If so, make that movement your prime go-to press for building strength.